County responds to criticism of mental health system

Responding to "local media (reports) of allegations of poor mental health services," the Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency on Monday issued a statement explaining that mental health services still exist, and inviting the public to participate in the process.

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors in May signed two contracts for mental health services, one for children's mental health services with Redwood Quality Management Company (RQMC), and one for adult mental health services with Ortner Management Group (OMG). Both contracts were effective July 1.

As the transition started in July, according to the county's statement, the contractors on July 15 began answering the mental health services crisis line. The number for that crisis line has not changed, and the rollover of the line from county staff to the contractors "went smoothly and was seamless to the public," according to the HHSA's statement. All calls are tracked and follow-up is managed daily.

The HHSA further stated, "Mental health services have not been reduced. Crisis, care management, medication support and Wellness Center services continue to be provided. During the transition services have actually been enhanced." The statement gave an example, saying that, "for the first time in many years" the mental health system has access to psychiatrists 24/7, 365 days a year. "Our goal is to have better services tomorrow than we have today and we are on our way to accomplishing that goal," the HHSA stated.

Giving another example, the county cited a Suicide Prevention Project implemented recently, described as a collaboration with the North Bay Suicide Prevention Project. "This project is yet another example of enhanced services to our communities and it has been a subject of press releases this past year," the county stated.

"It is both unfortunate and frustrating that reports continue to circulate in the local media of allegations of poor mental health services, particularly on the coast, with some critics claiming that mental health services have been eliminated," the HHSA stated. "The following list of mental health services currently provided in coastal Mendocino County has been compiled in an effort to set the record straight. Services are provided by the county, RQMC, OMG and various sub-contractors, some of whom have been providing similar services for years.

"It is especially unfortunate that some individuals choose to discuss knowledge of very particular cases, something that providers cannot respond to out of courtesy to the families involved and due to strict confidentiality laws and HIPAA requirements.

"No story is one-dimensional. Often there are many, many facets to consider. Certainly they are not to be played out in the pages of any local media outlet. To do so is to risk victimizing the patient, their family and friends. It also undermines the efforts of many very dedicated public servants and private providers. Reports are often not accurate, not fully told and serve to do more harm than good."

With that, the HHSA invited the community to attend monthly Mental Health Board meetings, held on the third Wednesday of each month at various locations. When in Ukiah, the time is 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. When on the road, the time is 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Mental Health Board is an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors on mental health. The Mental Health Board is mandated by state law and consists of 15 board member positions and one county supervisor. The HHSA said there are openings on the board. For more information please visit http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/hhsa/mh_board.htm.